Welcome to Wai-o-Tapu Geyser. Up at the crack of dawn (well 8.30) for the 27km drive to see the Geyser blow at exactly 10.15.

You get a bit of spiel about how this was discovered by prisoners washing their clothes and hey presto a money making attraction is born (cynical hat on). You get the feeling that if this was the US they would have a play re-enacting the discovery complete with convict outfits oh and a theme park. The guide then puts a bio-degrade able washing tab into the geyser and runs like the clappers (notice it is environmentally friendly even though there are approx 200 people that have driven in cars to witness it).

All told very impressive and wet, hot tip, do not sit near the front but if you do sit behind a Foggy wearing a rain mac.

Culture alert, yes I went along to a cultural event (well there was grub as well). Mrs Fogg booked a “traditional” (made for visitors at a cost of 200NZD for the both of us), evening of understanding the Maori culture, with greetings, dance, song, Haka and food.

Being the cultural guru that I am (think Les Patterson except drunker and that is getting close), I can tell you I was not actually looking forward to it. You have to remember Mrs Fogg dragged me to a similar Hopi Indian event in Arizona (minus the food) and it was the worst thing either of us had been to (well besides a time share meet and greet).

I was surprised, it was well presented and the people actually believed what they were saying and doing, so passion did show through. All told it was a very good evening, nice heap of food and good company too. I now feel culturally enlightened and did I mention the food?

We decided to go for a stroll when we came back but were advised not to by the hotel owner to prevent being mugged (eek) or murdered like someone was last week, ok that’s nice then.

And now a little hassle the B&B in Hawkes Bay have emailed to say they have double booked (nice considering we confirmed in Oct), so we are rapidly replanning.

And here is a nutter on a luge. A great morning of riding the scenic, the intermediate and the oh my god (which at one point you leave terra firma for a few seconds). What brilliant fun with the rather impressive back drop of Rotorua.